Duval County's first courthouse was built in the 1840s at what is now the corner of Forsyth and Market Streets. It was burned during the Civil War. A more durable brick structure went up in 1886. According to "postcard historian" Hampton Dunn, in Jacksonville "time is measured by 'before the fire' or 'after the fire'", referring to the Great Fire of 1901 that wiped out the downtown. Among the first buildings reconstructed was the courthouse, which was relocated across the street from the old. The walls of the older building survived the fire, were incorporated into a new armory, and, remodeled again at mid-century, remain as part of the present-day Lanier Building.

The 1902 courthouse, designed by architect Rutledge Holmes, soon proved too small and an annex was added in 1914. Apparently the plans contemplated the possibility of adding as many as seven more stories, but this was never done. Instead, a modern courthouse was dedicated in 1958 and the 1902 courthouse was demolished; the annex was spared and, later expanded to cover the entire site, continues to house county offices.

Year Built: 1958Current Use of Building: CourthouseLevel of Courts: CountyPhysical Address: 330 East Bay Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
USAHours: 8:00am-4:30pmRelated Website: [Web Link]Architect: Not listedDates this building was used to house judicial proceedings: Not listed

Visit Instructions:At least one original photograph should be added to the gallery. And please describe your impressions and visit to the courthouse.